I spent years flying economy, thinking that airport lounge access was only for the elite business traveler.
You know the type—the one in the fancy suit, sipping champagne before their flight. I used to think lounges were off-limits for someone like me—the budget traveler just trying to get from point A to point B.
Wrong!
It wasn’t until later that I realized I didn’t have to be an elite business traveler to enjoy the perks of airport lounges.
In fact, airport lounges are an incredible way for any traveler—yes, even budget-conscious ones—to relax, enjoy some free food and drinks, and make the travel experience a whole lot more enjoyable.
And the best part? You don’t have to break the bank to gain access.
In this post, you’ll learn how to gain access to airport lounges for free (yes, really) and elevate your travel experience without spending a fortune.
Complimentary Airport Lounge Access with Credit Cards (Including No Annual Fee Options)
If you’re like me and want to travel without spending too much out of pocket, using a credit card you already carry for everyday purchases to get complimentary airport lounge access is a game-changer!
While most premium credit cards offer lounge perks, there are also no-annual-fee cards that give you access to lounges.
I don’t typically recommend getting a credit card just for the lounge perks, but the fun part about all this is, that it’s all up to you!
You’re the one who gets to decide what’s worth it for your travel style and goals.
So, let’s break down the credit card options with lounge access including high-end and no-annual fee cards.
Premium Credit Cards with Airport Lounge Access
These cards typically come with a high annual fee, but they offer excellent value for many travelers especially those who fly often or internationally.
Check out this post to determine if paying an annual fee is worth it.
Our Pick: Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card
The Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card and Capital One Venture X Business offer unlimited access to Capital One Lounges and Priority Pass Lounges (enrollment required) providing access to over 1,300 lounges worldwide.
Capital One Lounges although a much smaller footprint (for now) than Priority Pass is a consistently premium airport lounge product and well worth a visit.
We thoroughly enjoyed our visit to the flagship Capital One DFW lounge!
Annual Fee: $395 (includes a $300 travel credit for use through Capital One Travel, effectively reducing the annual fee to just $95, which the card’s other benefits can easily offset).
Guest Policies:
- Capital One Lounges: Two complimentary guests per visit; fees for additional guests.
- Priority Pass Lounges: Unlimited guests.
It’s important to note that you can have up to 4 free authorized users with the Venture X and each user can get their own separate Priority Pass membership.
This is a huge benefit if you’re traveling with a large group and need to get everyone into a Capital One lounge or access exclusive Chase Sapphire Lounges once per calendar year with Priority Pass.
Important Note
Enrollment is required for Priority Pass membership.
While your Venture X gives you direct access to Capital One Lounges, you’ll need to enroll in your complimentary Priority Pass membership to access other lounges in the Priority Pass network.
You can’t just bring your credit card to access Priority Pass Lounges
However, you can’t bring complimentary guests into the Chase Sapphire Lounge with Priority Pass.
That’s one of the reasons why adding an authorized user for Venture X and having that AU activate their own Priority Pass membership can be a big help.
We took advantage of this to gain access to the Chase Sapphire Lounge at Laguardia Airport in New York City.
Important Note: The Capital One Venture X Business doesn’t let authorized users have lounge access, only the personal Venture X.
Remember, don’t add anyone as an authorized user who is not a trusted family member or close friend.
Guest policies can vary, so it’s always a good idea to double-check the specific terms with your credit card provider regarding whether you can bring guests for free.
Chase Sapphire Reserve®
The Chase Sapphire Reserve® includes unlimited access to Priority Pass Lounges (enrollment required) and Chase Sapphire Lounges for the cardholder and authorized users.
It also includes access to select Air Canada Maple Leaf lounges and Air Canada Cafes in the US, Canada, and Europe when flying on a Star Alliance airline.
Annual Fee: $550
Guest Policies:
- Chase Sapphire Lounges: Two complimentary guests per visit; fees for additional guests.
- Priority Pass Lounges: Two complimentary guests per visit; fees for additional guests.
- Air Canada Maple Leaf lounges and Air Canada Cafes: Authorized users get complimentary access, but there is a fee for guests.
You have to pay to add authorized users to the Chase Sapphire Reserve credit card, which is a bummer.
The annual fee is pretty steep, but with perks like a $300 annual travel credit (way easier to use than the one with the Venture X), trip insurance, and up to $120 Global Entry/TSA PreCheck credit every 4 years, plus lounge access, this card offers amazing value!
I like the Chase Sapphire Reserve, especially since the $300 annual travel credit is incredibly easy to use.
Chase Ultimate Rewards® are my favorite points currency so I normally like to stack those as much as possible, but the extra $250 of the annual fee is not something that I can justify as a long-term keeper.
Maybe as the lounge network for the Chase Sapphire lounges grows, I’ll be converted!
In the meantime, I’ll stick with my Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card and Venture X credit card combo.
Guest policies can vary, so it’s always a good idea to double-check the specific terms with your credit card provider regarding whether you can bring guests for free.
All information about the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card and Chase Sapphire Reserve® has been collected independently by Traveling Franklins.
Chase Ritz-Carlton® Card
The Ritz-Carlton Card includes unlimited access to the Priority Pass lounges (enrollment required) and Chase Sapphire lounges.
The interesting part is that it is no longer available to new applicants, but if you already have a Marriott credit card through Chase, you may be eligible to upgrade to the Ritz-Carlton Card after your first year.
While the card offers some solid benefits, for most travelers, it may not be worth the investment.
However, if you have a large family, this card could be a great fit!
Annual Fee: $450
Guest Policies:
- Chase Sapphire Lounges: Unlimited access, plus guests.
- Priority Pass Lounges: Unlimited access, plus guests.
The Ritz Carlton card also allows you to add free authorized users who also can get their own complimentary Priority Pass membership. Nice perk!
Guest policies can vary, so it’s always a good idea to double-check the specific terms with your credit card provider regarding whether you can bring guests for free.
The information for the Ritz-Carlton Credit Card has been collected independently by Traveling Franklins. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.
The Platinum Card® from American Express
The Platinum Card® from American Express or The Business Platinum Card® from American Express offers access to Amex Centurion Lounges, Priority Pass Membership (enrollment required), Delta Sky Clubs (when flying Delta restrictions and limits apply), Escape Lounges, and Plaza Premium Lounges.
Annual Fee: $695
Guest Policies:
- Centurion Lounge: No guests.
- Escape Lounges: Two complimentary guests per visit.
- Plaza Premium Lounges: Two complimentary guests per visit.
- Priority Pass Lounges: Two complimentary guests per visit.
- Other Lounge networks with varying guest policies include: Aspire Lounges, Select Lufthansa lounges, and Other Global Lounge Collection partner lounges.
The Platinum Card has the highest annual fee of the credit cards we’ve mentioned, but if you can maximize the benefits and highly value luxurious experiences then it could be an amazing option.
Personally, I think it’s a very expensive card that would be a huge time investment for me to learn how to maximize.
Guest policies can vary, so it’s always a good idea to double-check the specific terms with your credit card provider regarding whether you can bring guests for free.
Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card
The Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card is through American Express, not Chase so it wouldn’t be eligible to be upgraded to the Ritz-Carlton Credit Card.
However, the card does include a Priority Pass membership (enrollment required) with unlimited visits.
Annual Fee: $650
This co-branded credit card has some nice benefits, but with such a steep annual fee and Marriott points devaluations, there are better options available.
But if you’re a huge Marriott loyalist, go for it!
Guest policies can vary, so it’s always a good idea to double-check the specific terms with your credit card provider regarding whether you can bring guests for free.
Bank of America® Premium Rewards® Elite
The Bank of America Premium Rewards Elite credit card includes 4 Priority Pass memberships (enrollment required) per card with unlimited guests.
It also gives you access to the Priority Pass restaurant benefits which is rare these days and can be a nice benefit.
Annual Fee: $550
I like that you get 4 Priority Pass memberships without needing to add authorized users.
It has some other nice card benefits too, but with the steep annual fee, I would put this one on the back burner unless you have room for it and its hefty annual fee.
Guest policies can vary, so it’s always a good idea to double-check the specific terms with your credit card provider regarding whether you can bring guests for free.
Low or No Annual Fee Credit Cards with Free Airport Lounge Access
If you’re not ready to commit to a high annual fee, there are still options that provide lounge access.
While the access may be more limited than premium cards, these cards are excellent choices if you want occasional lounge access without the high price tag.
U.S. Bank Altitude Connect Visa Signature Card
The U.S. Bank Altitude Connect Visa Signature Card offers 4 free Priority Pass lounge visits (enrollment required) per year.
However, this benefit is a little different than usual—it’s 4 visits, not 4 unlimited memberships.
So, if you visit a lounge, that counts as one visit, leaving you with 3 more. If you had brought a guest, that counts as 2 visits, leaving you with just two more for the year.
So if you don’t plan to bring a guest with you, then you can visit 4 lounges within the Priority Pass network per year.
Annual Fee: $0
While 4 visits might seem limited, the fact that this card comes with no annual fee means you’re still getting great value.
If you’re a casual traveler who wants to enjoy a more comfortable airport experience, this card is a fantastic option!
Guest policies can vary, so it’s always a good idea to double-check the specific terms with your credit card provider regarding whether you can bring guests for free.
U.S. Bank Business Altitude™ Connect World Elite Mastercard®
Similar to the previous card, the U.S. Bank Business Altitude™ Connect World Elite Mastercard® offers 4 free Priority Pass lounge visits (enrollment required) per year.
Annual Fee: $0 for the first year, then $95
Keep in mind, these are 4 lounge visits—not 4 unlimited memberships.
What makes this business card stand out is its additional benefit of granting access to Priority Pass restaurants and experiences.
This is a rare perk, and with the annual fee waived for the first year, it’s definitely worth considering if you qualify for a business credit card!
Guest policies can vary, so it’s always a good idea to double-check the specific terms with your credit card provider regarding whether you can bring guests for free.
The information for the U.S. Bank Altitude Connect Visa Signature Card and U.S. Bank Business Altitude™ Connect World Elite Mastercard®has been collected independently by Traveling Franklins. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.
What about Airline Credit Cards?
If you’re loyal to a specific airline and almost exclusively fly with them, it might make sense to get their co-branded credit card.
However, I wouldn’t recommend applying just because you want airport lounge access. I’d recommend checking out the other benefits and making sure the juice is worth the squeeze on these.
Just remember: The lounge access with these cards will likely have restrictions. You might only get lounge access if you’ve purchased your flight with that credit card and are flying with that specific airline.
There could be other restrictions too, so it’s important to check the details of this benefit before relying on it.
Here are some options to consider:
- Citi® / AAdvantage® Executive World Elite Mastercard®
- Annual Fee: $595
- You’ll get full access to Admirals Club lounges, along with the ability to bring up to 2 guests or immediate family members traveling with you.
- Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card
- Annual Fee: $650
- You’ll get 15 complimentary annual visits to the Delta Sky Club, plus access to American Express Centurion Lounges when flying Delta. If you want/need unlimited Delta Sky Club visits you’ll need to spend $75,000 or more annually with the card.
- United Club℠ Infinite Card
- Annual Fee: $525
- You’ll get unlimited United Club access.
All information about the United Club℠ Infinite Card has been collected independently by Traveling Franklins.
For us, we don’t fly with the same airline enough for it to be worth grabbing one of these co-branded airline credit cards with such high annual fees. But only you can decide whether it’s right for you.
Guest policies can vary, so it’s always a good idea to double-check the specific terms with your credit card provider regarding whether you can bring guests for free.
The information for the Citi® / AAdvantage® Executive World Elite Mastercard® has been collected independently by Traveling Franklins. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.
Who can get business credit cards?
We’ve mentioned a few business credit cards in this post, but you might be thinking, “I don’t qualify for that, so I’ll skip this part.” Hold on!
Chances are, you do qualify for a business credit card—and I’ll explain why in this blog post about how to apply for business credit cards, even if you don’t think you have a “real business.”
Things to Keep in Mind
Quality of Lounges Can be Hit or Miss: Not all airport lounges are created equal. Some lounges are amazing—with high-end food, spacious seating, and a relaxing atmosphere—while others can be underwhelming, overcrowded, or lack basic amenities. It can be hit or miss depending on which airport you’re flying out of.
Limited Lounge Access at Smaller Airports: If you’re flying out of a smaller or regional airport, you may not have access to any lounges at all, or the lounges available might not offer the same level of comfort and amenities as the ones at larger airports.
Guest Fees May Apply: Some cards offer complimentary lounge access for the cardholder but may charge an additional fee for guests. If you’re traveling with family or friends, these fees can add up, and not all cards include free guest access.
Access Can Be Restricted During Peak Hours: Even if you have access to a lounge, it can be overcrowded during peak travel times. Some lounges have capacity limits, meaning you may not be able to enter if it’s too full. This is especially common during holiday travel periods or in busy airports.
Airport Lounges in Different Terminals: Even if you have lounge access, it might not be in the same terminal as your departure gate. Some airports require passing through security again or have lounges far from your gate. If there’s a wait for entry, you might not have time to enjoy it before your flight.
Check Lounge Hours: Lounge hours can vary by airport and airline, so it’s important to check ahead of time to make sure the lounge will be open when you need it.
Know Your Card’s Benefits: Not all cards offer the same lounge access. Some only offer access to a limited number of lounges or require you to be flying with specific airlines. Make sure you understand your card’s specific benefits before you head to the airport.
My Strategy
When it comes to our airport lounge strategy, we consider two key factors:
- How many people are traveling with you?
- Which airports do you fly out of most often?
We rarely travel in a group that is more than two or 3 people, but if you are traveling with a large group then that should factor into your decision.
You probably want a credit card that gets you the right number of complimentary guest access. Most options will get you at least one or two guests.
My home airport doesn’t currently have a lounge I can access, but I still value airport lounge access because the destinations we fly to often have great lounge options.
So if you’re traveling to Europe or most international destinations, decent if not good lounges are typically available.
Again, our overall pick and the credit card that we have that works well for us is the Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card .
Bottom Line
Airport lounges are a great way to make your travel experience more comfortable, and with the right credit card, you can get complimentary access—no need for a separate membership.
Whether you’re willing to pay for a premium card or prefer a no-annual-fee option, there are plenty of ways to enjoy a relaxing pre-flight experience.
For me, the main reason for getting the credit card is the other benefits, like earning points and flexible redemption options. But complimentary lounge access is a fantastic bonus!
It’s not only a way to enhance your airport experience but also a great way to save money while traveling—and that’s what it’s all about!
Want to Travel More for Less?
